Page 19 of The Silent Appeal

Message exchange between Dustin Perez and Kevin MacDonald on January 4, 2025:

8:22 p.m. Dustin wrote:

Too young for Sir Henry, too old for Edward, too short for Gudgeon, too dull for John Cristow.

8:26 p.m. Kevin wrote:

That’s rather harsh on your chameleon-like acting chops, Dustin. But if you’d rather read for Inspector Colquhoun or DS Penny, those are, dare I say it, closer to home for you?

8:28 p.m. Dustin wrote:

Busman’s holiday, more like. Can’t make Monday, but if you’re short of men to play those parts, give me a call.

To: Kevin MacDonald

From: Joyce Walford

Date: January 4, 2025

Subject: Re: Character breakdown

You can put me down for any part, Kevin. Or none. I’ll make the tea Monday. Pick me up at 6:30 and you can buy biscuits at the Co-op. Save me paying for them. Joyce

Message exchange between Barry Walford and Kevin MacDonald on January 4, 2025:

9:28 p.m. Barry wrote:

Any part. Cheers mate!

9:31 p.m. Kevin wrote:

Ah, Barry! Congratulations on Myra’s latest pregnancy. Hope she’s not too tired, what with Kahleesi and Arya being so young.

9:32 p.m. Barry wrote:

She’s fine. It’s Chelsea looking tired right now. Shocking 2024.

9:33 p.m. Kevin wrote:

Hope the team’s had a rest over Christmas. Just wondered if Myra fancies a smallish part that wouldn’t be too taxing? Gerda is a BRILLIANT character role.

9:33 p.m. Barry wrote:

She’ll be six months gone by play week.

9:34 p.m. Kevin wrote:

The character can be overweight, no problem. I recall Myra’s outstanding performance as a villager in Jack and the Beanstalk…

9:36 p.m. Barry wrote:

She hated it. Anyway, Mum’ll be making the tea as usual so Myra’ll stay home and look after the kids.

Message exchange between Karen Payne and Kevin MacDonald on January 4, 2025:

9:42 p.m. Karen wrote:

I’d LOVE to play Henrietta. But if that part has gone, I could play Veronica or Midge.